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Grow Up

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2016

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Quick resume

Leaping from mind-boggling heights, bouncing off Champolines, soaring inches from floating islands, BUD can do it all - that look of mild terror, that’s his daredevil face. Help the adorable little robot collect MOM’s scattered ship parts and return them to the moon.

Global score

92/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie, Platform

Pros

  • Large open world with vertical and horizontal exploration
  • Unique physics-based climbing and movement mechanics
  • Creative use of planting flora to aid traversal
  • Relaxing and charming atmosphere with soothing visuals and music
  • Good value for price with 8-12 hours of content

Cons

  • Short main story and limited replayability beyond collectibles
  • Some players find controls fiddly or imprecise
  • Lack of multiplayer or social features
  • Early acquisition of powerful abilities reduces challenge
  • Minor technical issues and occasional crashes reported

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to explore a large open world planet, choose their own path, and use various abilities and plants to navigate."

  • Competence
    3

    "Players overcome platforming challenges, unlock upgrades, and complete timed challenges that test skill and precision."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on personal exploration and self-paced challenges without ranked or direct player-vs-player competition."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report habitual play, returning to collect all items and complete challenges, with 8-12 hours of content."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay elements."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players can scan and plant various flora to create new platforms and solve traversal puzzles creatively."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; gameplay is individual and non-confrontational."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Relaxing, stress-relieving exploration with charming visuals and lighthearted story provides real-life escape."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for intrinsic interest and enjoyment, not out of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players experiment with new mechanics like planting flora, gliding, and ball form to explore and traverse."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around exploring a large spherical open world with multiple biomes and secrets."

  • Expression
    2

    "Players unlock and wear different suits and costumes, expressing individuality within the game."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Imaginative sci-fi setting with a robot protagonist, alien planet, and whimsical story elements."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; gameplay is solitary and focused on individual experience."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn to master unique physics-based controls and progressively unlock new abilities and upgrades."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay without physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention to platforming and exploration; not designed for background or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of forming close relationships or emotional social interactions in gameplay."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; purely single-player experience."

  • Progression
    4

    "Collecting crystals and upgrades to enhance abilities drives player progression and empowerment."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Game praised for its relaxing atmosphere, soothing visuals, and stress-relieving gameplay."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable visual style, ambient music, and satisfying physics-based movement provide sensory pleasure."

  • Status
    -4

    "Achievements and unlocks exist but social recognition or popularity is not a focus."

  • Story
    2

    "Simple narrative about repairing a ship and saving MOM provides context but is light and minimal."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Some problem solving in using plants and abilities to navigate, but overall straightforward gameplay."

  • Thrill
    -3

    "Gameplay is low risk and calm, with minimal suspense or tension."

  • Value
    4

    "Players feel the game offers good content and enjoyment for its low price."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destructive gameplay; focus on constructive exploration and platforming."

  • Survival
    -4

    "Stable environment with no threats or failure states beyond falling; no survival mechanics."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026